Businesses wanting to showcase their success have a few more days to enter the Wiltshire Business of the Year awards, with the deadline extended to February 8.

The awards, in their 19th year, have been developed by Newsquest Wiltshire, publishers of the Wiltshire Gazette & Herald and Wiltshire Times, to reward and celebrate dynamic and innovative businesses in the county.

Being shortlisted, or winning, can bring significant benefits, including prestige, media coverage, and a boost to sales, marketing and staff morale.

Businesses selected as finalists will enjoy an Awards Gala Dinner on April 26, at Center Parcs, nearWarminster, the first time the event has been staged there.

Entry is free and businesses can enter a range of categories: Innovation and Growth; Small Business; Service to the Community; Customer and Staff Care; Environmental; Business Person of the Year; and Outstanding Excellence (Wiltshire Business of the Year). This year’s new category is Apprenticeship Employer of the Year.

Last year, Melksham firm Valldata beat 100 others to win the Wiltshire Business of the Year title and also took the Innovation and Growth award. Other winners included Park Lane Press in Corsham, who won the Environmental award, and Sixpenny Nursery in Marlborough who won Rural Business of the Year.

Entry is free and the application form can be found at www.wiltshirebusinessoftheyear.co.uk. Entrants must also answern 10 questions about their business and send in testimonials.

Entrants can apply via email or post. The application form and criteria supporting information can be sent to ugawthorn@newswilts.co.uk or a hard copy of the application form can be sent to Ursula Gawthorn, Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards 2012, Newsquest Wiltshire, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3BE For more information contact Ursula Gawthorn on 01793 501874 or ugawthorn@newswilts.co.uk